2016 Chicago Marathon Race Recap

I completed my second marathon last Sunday as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I finished in 3:56! Even though I PR-ed by 17 minutes and had my first sub 4 hour marathon, I haven't had many positive thoughts since I crossed the starting line.

Someone once told me that finishing a race is how an athlete expresses themselves. That a strong finish is an expression and reflection of the time and effort you put in to your training. This race did not reflect how hard I worked all summer. My quadriceps were in charlie horse level pain from about mile 10 to mile 26.2. I knew it was a physiological problem, and planned to get a blood work up as soon as I got back home. What the heck happened????

A Bad Run: 20 Miles was Great, 13... not so much

Last week, we ran twenty miles, I sprinted the last bit, felt super strong. I wore my old shoes. It was fantastic. I felt great! I wasn't sore the next day, and I completed all of my miles this past week with no problems, including speed sessions.

Today, during mile three, I started having some pain in my knee. At mile four, I was hoping it would go away.

Miles five through seven involved some controlled breathing....

22 MILES & 8 Reasons Why you should TRAIN with a group

Less than 21 days until I will run my first marathon. Today I did 22 miles, the most I have ever run. Four more miles would have been doable, from both a physical and mental standpoint. That gives me an extra boost of confidence for race day! Running with a group has undeniably helped me get to this point. My long runs would not have been as successful if I was on my own.

My focus for 2015 was CHALLENGE. What better way to challenge myself than run a marathon right (read more here)? On January 1st, with encouragement from my sweet friend Stephanie, we both signed up for Fleet Feet Nashville's marathon training group. I used to HATE running with other people because I'm kind of competitive, so I was a little nervous at first! It was the BEST thing I could have done for myself!

17 Mile Struggle and Love

I hobbled over to my car as quick as possible. As soon as I got myself in the car, I took a deep breath and called P. I glanced at the stack of clothing lying on the passenger seat. My nephew’s last basketball game of the season started in 15 minutes. There is no way I was going to make it.

‘IT WAS AWFUL. Really, really difficult. It was so hilly.’ And then the tears came. I was so disappointed in myself. This was the worst run that I can remember. I didn’t enjoy very much of it and finished with a less than admirable attitude.

Running a MARATHON

Here's something I never thought I would do but have always secretly wanted to try. It kind of feels like jumping off a diving board to say this. That might not be a big deal to you, but I HATE swimming and when I was little only a box of Lucky Charms cereal could coax me into the deep end and off of the diving board. My first big CHALLENGE of 2015.

I am running a marathon.